Advantages of Dual Heating Systems in Modern Bitumen Storage and Melting Equipment

In road construction and asphalt production, temperature control is the backbone of quality and efficiency. Bitumen, being a viscous material, requires continuous heating to remain in liquid form. While single heating systems have been common for decades, modern equipment increasingly adopts dual heating systems — a combination of thermal oil and electric heating — for improved performance.

At Dezhou Feiteng Road Construction Equipment Co., Ltd., we have seen a significant shift among our global clients toward dual heating solutions. Here is why this technology is becoming the industry standard.

1. Faster Start-Up and Continuous Production

A dual heating system integrates thermal oil circulation with electric heating elements.

• Thermal oil heating provides high efficiency and stable heat distribution for large volumes of bitumen.

• Electric heating allows for quick start-up, especially in low-temperature environments or during short downtime periods.

Practical benefit:
When power is available, electric heaters can preheat the bitumen storage tank, reducing the load on the thermal oil burner at start-up. This shortens warm-up time by 20–30 percent.

2. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Energy consumption is a major concern for asphalt producers, especially in regions with high fuel prices.

• During peak demand, both systems can operate together for rapid heating.

• In low-demand or standby mode, the electric system alone can maintain temperature, reducing fuel costs.

• Improved insulation around the tank ensures minimal heat loss, maximizing energy savings.

Case example:
A client in Indonesia reduced fuel usage by 15 percent annually after upgrading to a dual heating system.

3. Enhanced Reliability and Redundancy

One of the key advantages of a dual heating system is operational backup.
If one heating source fails, the other can keep the system running without halting production — a crucial factor for large infrastructure projects with tight deadlines.

This redundancy also means:

• Fewer emergency shutdowns

• Lower risk of project delays

• More consistent bitumen quality

4. Improved Temperature Control

Bitumen must stay within a specific temperature range to maintain its viscosity and prevent material degradation. Dual systems offer precision control:

• Thermal oil: Excellent for gradual, uniform heating.

• Electric heaters: Ideal for fine-tuning and quick temperature adjustments.

With PLC-based automation, operators can set target temperatures, and the system automatically balances between oil and electric heating.

5. Flexible Fuel and Power Options

Not all project sites have the same energy infrastructure. Dual heating systems allow operators to switch between energy sources depending on availability and cost:

• In urban areas: Use electricity during off-peak hours for lower rates.

• In remote areas: Rely more on diesel or heavy oil burners.

This flexibility makes dual systems particularly suitable for export markets with varying power and fuel conditions.

Real-World Project: Zimbabwe Road Rehabilitation

In 2024, our client in Zimbabwe required a 30,00-liter bitumen storage tank with stable temperature control for continuous day and night operations. We supplied our YZSL Series Double Heating Bitumen Storage Tank.

Results:

• Continuous operation without downtime

• Fuel savings of 12 percent over six months

• Improved asphalt quality consistency, resulting in smoother road surfaces

Conclusion: The Future is Dual Heating

Dual heating systems are more than a technological upgrade — they are a cost-saving, risk-reducing, and performance-enhancing investment.

When selecting bitumen melting or storage equipment, consider:

• Capacity requirements

• Local fuel and electricity availability

• Automation and control needs

• Long-term maintenance and operational costs

At Feiteng, we specialize in designing customized dual heating solutions for clients worldwide, ensuring your equipment meets both local conditions and international standards.